Giving Back To Rural Communities

by Lachlan Westwood

I was raised on the principle of "giving back to the people who contribute to making you the person you are today."

I was raised in a small country town of Jerilderie in the southern Riverina with a population of 800 people. Yet, what the town lacked in size, it made up for in heart and commitment to bettering the next generation. The thing about small communities - everyone is familiar and knows each other. If a person is in need, people drop what they're doing to lend a hand.

While growing up, I was always thinking of how I could give back to the rural community. Typically, once a person finishes high school, they go off to a major city, further their studies at university, and become attracted to the city way of life.

Sometimes they forget their places of origin and all the wonderful people who raised and nurtured them. As social as city life is, on another level it can be lonely. Rarely do you know your neighbors or have any real care for the suburb and surrounds.

Rural living is all about community. It's what I missed most. Friendly faces at the supermarket, sports clubs, and even strangers down the street. Yes, strangers are always up for a chat as they pass through town! It's what gives country towns life and a vibrant atmosphere. This is what drew me back to the rural community in Swan Hill.

Towards the end of my university degree, I felt like I was missing something. In my fourth year, I met Louise Bibby. She had just launched her Osteo Sports Network, and we had a chat about life and being an Osteopath in Swan Hill. For me, it felt like a breath of fresh air to hear that Swan Hill could potentially offer that sense of community I longed for.

In late November, myself and fellow osteopath Jake visited Louise and the Central Mallee Osteopathy (CMO) clinic, and for me, it was a perfect fit. No loud traffic, spacious treatment rooms, wonderful staff who were welcoming and accommodating, and most of all, meeting some of the locals and feeling like I was home again. The idea of moving to a rural community shouldn't be off-putting or considered a backward step. I feel as though too many young people could be missing out when they don't consider it an option post-university.

Yes, it may be a distance to travel, but the reality is - the country is a place where you not only get to grow in a professional sense but also grow as a person and develop lifelong relationships with the most genuine people Australia has to offer. My thoughts - don't be too quick to move to the big smoke and/or miss the opportunity that rural living has to offer. For future students from metropolitan areas, the country can be an exciting new challenge and provide life-changing opportunities.

- Lachlan